Genotype-by-environment interaction for grain yield and quality traits in durum wheat: Identification of ideotypes adapted to the Spanish region of Castile and León

Abstract

Understanding how environmental conditions affect grain yield and quality in the Mediterranean basin, characterised by high interannual climate variations, is essential for the successful selection of durum wheat varieties better adapted to local agro-environments. We evaluated the effects of the genotype-by-environment interaction on grain yield and quality traits in a multi-environment field trial, across five consecutive growing seasons, to identify the varieties with consistently specific and broader adaptation to prevailing and limiting conditions in the Spanish region of Castile and León. Fourteen commercial varieties were tested in thirteen environments, including different management practises (irrigation, late sowing and nitrogen fertilisation). AMMI, Finlay-Wilkinson and GGE models were used to study the genotype-by-environment interaction, showing that the environment was the main factor affecting yield and grain quality traits. The genotypic and genotype-by-environment interaction effects were also significant for most traits. We identified the varieties with higher grain yield and quality or greater stability across environments. However, there are no varieties that perform better for all traits. We found the yellow pigment concentration as heritable trait, while δ13C, grain yield and vitreousness had the lowest genetic control. We conclude that the Castile and León region is a suitable agro-environment for durum wheat under current and limiting climatic conditions, although the selection of varieties and management practises is necessary to maximise profitability depending on the final end-use of the grain. This study provides relevant information for future durum wheat breeding programmes that take into account crop's stability and resilience to multiple environmental factors.